The Bandit Queens

In this incisive debut, a young Indian lady finds the false allegations that she killed her husband to be unexpectedly helpful—until other women in the village start requesting her assistance in getting rid of their own husbands.

"A radically feel-good story about a group of unsinkable women murdering no-good husbands."— Book Review, New York Times

Five years prior, Geeta had lost her abusive spouse. She truly lost him, so to speak; he abandoned her, and she has no idea where he is. However, there is a story in her isolated Indian hamlet that Geeta killed him. Furthermore, the rumor just keeps spreading.

It turns out there are benefits to being regarded as a widow who "made her own way." Nobody tampers with her, badgers her, or attempts to dominate (er, wed) her. Even her business has benefited from it, as no one dares to purchase her jewels.

Geeta has to look beautiful in her freedom suit since other women are now requesting her "expertise," turning her into an unintentional adviser on spouse disposal.

And not all of them are politely requesting.

Geeta needs to figure out how to safeguard the life she's created because her reputation for danger is starting to work against her. However, even the best-laid plans of would-be widows frequently go wrong. The next thing that occurs starts a series of events that would alter not only Geeta's life but also the lives of all the women in their village.

Readers won't soon forget Parini Shroff's razor-sharp debut of humor and heart, The Bandit Queens, which is full with cunning crooks, second chances, and sarcastic and smart women.